CATHOLIC WORLD NEWS: SEPT. 7, 2009: HEADLINES
VATICAN: POPE MET WITH BISHOPS FROM BRAZIL
EPISCOPALIAN COMMUNITY ENTERS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
SIERRA LEONE: ARCHBISHOP CALLS FOR PEACE EFFORTS
ENGLAND: PREPARATIONS FOR OLYMPICS IN 2012
PRIEST INVOLVED IN HUMAN RIGHTS KILLED
PRIEST CONFERENCE
Vatican Radio reports that Pope Benedict met with bishops from Western Brazil on Monday in the first of a series of ad limina visits from different parts of the country – which has the world’s largest Catholic population, with over 130 million members. Pope Benedict visited the country in 2007. The Holy Father spoke to the bishops about the formation of priests. He said that although Brazil still has too few members of the clergy, attention must be paid to the careful formation of the priesthood.Speaking in Portuguese, the Pope warned of the secularizing influence on the Church – of compromises made to draw people into the Church – people the Pope points out never came. The Pope says the younger generation, which grew up in this environment, is seeking transcendence. He says it is the young men of this generation who are now arriving at the seminary, and they need to find teachers who are true men of God, priests fully dedicated to formation, to witness to the gift of self to the Church by celibacy and an austere life, according to the model of Christ the Good Shepherd. He says seminarians must strive to meet the Lord daily in the Eucharist, to love silence and prayer, and to seek the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Pope Benedict offered the patron of this year of priests, the Cure of Ars, as a model for those in seminary, and he urged the bishops to take up the topic of priestly formation during the plenary meeting of Brazilian bishops next April.(SOURCE: http://www.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=314780
AMERICA
EPISCOPALIAN COMMUNITY ENTERS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
CNA reports that ten religious sisters and a priest who were formerly part of an Episcopal religious community were received into full communion with the Catholic Church at a Mass in Maryland on Thursday. One sister said God will use them to bring unity to the Church.
The women were members of the Society of All Saints’ Sisters of the Poor. The former Episcopal priest, Fr. Warren Tanghe, was their chaplain.
“We know our beliefs and where we are,” the sisters’ superior, Mother Christina Christie, told the Baltimore Sun. “We were drifting farther apart from the more liberal road the Episcopal Church is traveling. We are now more at home in the Roman Catholic Church.”
The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop of Baltimore Edwin O’Brien at the chapel of the sisters’ Cantonsville convent, according to the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
“The spiritual well-being of all of the All Saints’ Sisters is our priority and we will do everything we can to support those who have entered into full communion with the Catholic Church as well as the two sisters who remain Anglican,” he pledged.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Archbishop O’Brien said the convent has been a center of “overwhelming grace for so many people” and thanked the sisters for their “sterling and steadfast witness to consecrated life.”
The sisters had been considering conversion for several years.
The Episcopal Church has been riven by controversy over theology and sexual ethics. Its most recent General Convention gave permission to ordain practicing homosexuals to any ministry and also began writing prayers to bless same-sex unions.
"As we interpret Scripture, it does not give you license to be actively involved in a same-sex relationship," Mother Christina said. "It is not the person we have a problem with. It is what that person is doing. And now that the Episcopal Church has given permission to bless these partnerships, it is way off the boat."
Mother Christina, who has been a consecrated religiosu since 1966, said the sisters used to believe the Archbishop of Canterbury had the authority to stop those acting contrary to Scriptures but now they believe he does not.
"The Catholic Magisterium has an authority that says the buck stops here," she remarked.
Sister Catherine Grace Bowen explained to the Baltimore Sun that there is much similarity between Roman Catholic and Anglo-Catholic practice. In both churches, sacraments are “a way of life.”
A sister for almost fifty years, she said God will use the sisters “to bring unity” to His Church.
Last year the sisters contacted the Archdiocese of Baltimore to investigate the possibility of entering into full communion with the Catholic Church. They will continue to reside in their convent, where their order has resided since 1917. The order first arrived in Baltimore in 1872.
Tanghe, the sisters’ chaplain, is discerning the possibility of future formation and ordination as a Catholic priest.Two of the sisters from the community have decided not to leave the Episcopal Church and will continue to reside with the religious community.
“We are still a community and all of us made the same life vows,” Mother Christina told the Baltimore Sun.
The sisters have told the archbishop they desire that the community continue its service to the poor as a Catholic religious institute. In addition to conducting retreats and opening their chapel to their neighbors, the sisters work with the terminally ill at Joseph Richey House in Baltimore and also work with children and the poor.
(SOURCE: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=17042
AFRICA:
SIERRA LEONE: ARCHBISHOP CALLS FOR PEACE EFFORTS
CISA reports that the Archbishop of Freetown and Bo Edward Tamba Charles has urged the bishops, priests and lay faithful to be active agents of reconciliation, justice and peace so that Africa may realize her enormous potentials for the advancement of her peoples and the world.Archbishop Tamba was addressing the participants in the opening speech to a seminar on the theme: ‘Memories, Truth and Justice – dealing with the burden of past’ held in the Sierra Leonean capital from August 31 to September 4.The archbishop said the seminar was very timely for the Church in Africa as it prepares itself for the synod of bishops in Rome next month.The seminar was also important because countries in the West African sub region have had experiences violent conflicts, he said.“For example the countries of the Mano River Union-Guinea, Liberia, sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast - had terrible civil conflicts that cause incalculable loss of lives and property,” Archbishop Tamba said, adding that “the scars of the wars are there for all to see and the bitter memories of pains and sufferings they caused are still fresh in our minds.”Archbishop Tamba expressed fears that there might be a recurrence of those conflicts because the factors that engendered them are still present, such high youth unemployment, indiscipline and lawlessness in the cities, corruption and injustices. “It would seem that many of us did not learn anything from the experiences of the civil wars in our countries and so we are back to our old games.”The workshop was organized by the German Association for Development Cooperation in collaboration with German Justice and Peace Commission and the Archdiocese of Freetown and Bo. It attracted 42 participants from Africa, Europe, South America and Asia.[Reported by Fr Chrisantus Ndaga, AMECEA Communications (SOURCE: http://www.cisanewsafrica.org/story.asp?ID=4109
EUROPE
ENGLAND: PREPARATIONS FOR OLYMPICS IN 2012
The Catholic Communications Network reports that earlier this week, the Executive Team of More Than Gold, the churches’ 2012 Olympics and Paralympics charity, visited the Olympic Park near Stratford and saw firsthand the largest construction project presently operational in Europe in preparation for the 2012 Games.
Dave Willson, CEO of More Than Gold, said that the visit had achieved its purpose to "envision, excite and embody within the minds of those representing Christian denominations the once-in-a-lifetime celebration that the Olympics will bring to the UK as a whole".
Following More Than Gold’s recently successful Engagement Conference at Wembley Stadium, denominational representatives and their co-workers, while recognizing the strong progress being made by the Christian community to plan ahead for the 2012 Games, see that this is no time to be complacent.
James Parker, Catholic Executive Coordinator for the 2012 Games, said after the visit:
"The transformation of toxic wasteland into what will be the largest urban park created in Europe for more than 150 years is incredible to see. It is a visible testimony to how, when there is vision and determination, chaos can be turned into order. You cannot help but be in awe at what is being created for the 2012 Games.
"Not only will our country have the opportunity to host the entire world in several weeks of celebrations in 2012, but we will also gain some of the world’s foremost sporting facilities able to serve every discipline. These will serve as a reminder, not only to the younger generation but to every age group, that God calls us to be a people of vision and to care for our bodies as best as we can. The Games themselves also speak to us of the hidden potential that often remains untapped in every one of us.
"The Catholic community in Britain, working alongside other Christians, has a key part to play in helping to develop the principles of excellence, friendship and respect that the Olympics endorse. Yet the sporting world, and our society as a whole, needs us to help foster true, godly virtues and values within it, something it is crying out to receive. If we don’t engage ourselves with this task, who will?"
The Executive Team of More Than Gold had a full 360 degrees tour of the completed external structure of the Olympic Stadium, observed the impressive roof structure of the Aquatics Centre and the vast Media Centre, and saw works being done on the Olympic Village and the Velodrome. The regeneration of the waterways around the Olympic Park was particularly notable, symbolising our need to befriend the environment, but also manifesting God’s original design being drawn up from being hidden under ashes.
ENDSNotes for Editors:More Than Gold is a brand that Christian Churches have been using since 1992 leading up to the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games. Its unique label has been used for Christian outreach efforts at major international sporting events such as the Commonwealth, Pan Am, and Olympic Games all around the world.
One of its key roles is to mobilize Christians for service and witness throughout any particular event. More Than Gold is presently also making preparations for
the 2010 Vancouver/Whistler Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (http://www.morethangold.ca/).
2. All the main Christian denominations within the UK are on board with More Than Gold, as well as over 80 main Christian agencies and missionary organisations. More Than Gold was launched by the Archbishops of Canterbury and Westminster and other leading Christian figures, as well as by the charity’s Chair of Trustees Lord Mawhinney (also Chairman of the Football League), and the Minister for the Olympics, the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP.
3. For further details, please visit http://www.morethangold.org.uk/
. For further enquiries, or to speak with Dave Willson, please contact: Christians In Sport, tel: 01869 255 630, e-mail: info@morethangold.org.uk.
4. For photographs of the visit to the Olympic site, please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/catholicism/sets/72157622206476662/these photos can be downloaded directly from the Flickr site and need to be attributed to Mazur/www.catholicchurch.org.uk or contact James Abbott at james.abbott@cbcew.org.uk or Marcin Mazur at marcin.mazur@cbcew.org.uk, 020 7901 4800.
(SOURCE: http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/ccb/catholic_church/media_centre2/press_releases/press_releases_2009/more_than_gold_in_awe_at_the_2012_olympic_stadium
ASIA
PRIEST INVOLVED IN HUMAN RIGHTS KILLED
UCAN reports that Bishop Emmanuel Trance of Catarman says the priest who directed his central diocese's human rights desk received death threats for some time before he was shot dead on Sept. 6.
Eastern Visayas police reported that about 30 armed men shot at the vehicle of Father Cecilio "Pete" Lucero of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Catubig town. The parish priest was traveling along the national highway in Layuhan, San Jose, in Northern Samar province, at the time.
The priest, 48, reportedly died on the spot. His lay companion, Isidro Miras, was wounded in the incident.
Bishop Trance condemned the murder and demanded justice. He told UCA News that Father Lucero had just returned to San Jose from a family wedding on a nearby island when he and his companions were ambushed.
"After being wounded by several rifle shots, one man walked up to his (Father Lucero's) window and put a bullet in his head to be sure he was dead," Bishop Trance said quoting police reports from witnesses.
No one has claimed responsibility for the killing, and the police and military said they have no leads. Bishop Trance says it could be any of several groups who may have been threatening his priest.
"Since he was in human rights work, and traveled all over to investigate crimes ... he had angered the military and insurgents," the prelate explained.
Additionally, the slain priest's older brother, Wilmar Lucero, had served as congressman and is running in the 2010 elections, so Samar clergy cannot rule out a political motive either, the bishop said. Many political killings have occurred in the province, where unauthorized firearms reportedly are rife.
"Many murders are never solved, and that was Father Lucero's work -- to demand justice for those killed," the bishop added.
The prelate said Father Lucero had reported receiving death threats. He added that Father Lucero said he had no idea who was threatening him in the letters that started arriving last February, when the mayor of Catubig was murdered.
Father Lucero asked for police protection. A security escort, Eugene Bation, was traveling with him when he was shot and reportedly fired back at the gunmen, prompting them to flee.
"We feel Father Lucero was being tailed, because when he arrived at San Jose, the assassins were waiting for him," Bishop Trance said.
The slain priest was originally expected to arrive in San Jose the night before, but waited because of rough seas and took the first launch in the morning.
Police in the Eastern Visayas region have organized an investigative body that will look into Father Lucero's murder, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Sept. 7.
Chief Superintendent Mario San Diego, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 8, which serves Samar, said a Special Investigation Task Group named SITG Lucero has been created to coordinate all investigative efforts of different PNP units involved in the probe of Father Lucero's killing.
San Diego said the investigation seeks not only to identify the persons involved in the murder but also to establish a strong case in court against those responsible.
Father Lucero's body will be brought to San Roque Parish, were he earlier served as parish priest. From San Roque it will be taken to his parish in Catubig, and then on to his hometown of Gamay, Northern Samar.
Sister Maria Clare Dabuet of the Catarman Diocesan Center told UCA News that priests would accompany the body from parish to parish. According to the Missionaries of the Child Jesus nun, burial plans have yet to be made.
(SOURCE:http://www.ucanews.com/2009/09/07/slain-priest-received-death-threats-bishop-says/.
AUSTRALIA
PRIEST CONFERENCE
CathNews reports that the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy and the US Confraternity of Catholic Clergy are planning a special seminar in Rome in January to mark the Year for Priests and patron St. John Baptiste-Marie Vianney.
"This historic combined meeting of priests and deacons is in response to the Holy Father's designation of 2010 as the Year for Priests and invoking the patronage of the Cure of Ars, Saint John Vianney," the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy said in an announcement.
"Both groups were established to foster and promote ongoing formation (spiritual, theological, pastoral and human) of the clergy in a fraternal setting, The January 4-8 meeting next year is the first joint assembly for both confraternities."
Catholic priests and deacons from any English speaking country of the world are invited to attend, even if they are not a member of either the ACCC or US CCC
(SOURCE: http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=16317
TODAY'S SAINT
St. Anastasius the Fuller
MARTYR AND HERMIT
Feast: September 7
Information:
Feast Day:
September 7
Martyr from Aquileia, near modern Venice, Italy. A fuller or cloth merchant, Anastasius moved to Salona in Dalmatia, Yugoslavia. There he painted a cross on teh door of his shop and was speedily arrested and drowned. (SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/stanastasiusthefuller.asp
SAINTLY QUOTE
Nothing can be more dangerous than evil companions. They communicate the infection of their vices to all who associate with them.
-- St. John Baptist de la Salle
TODAY'S GOSPEL
Matthew 6: 31 - 34
31
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'
32
For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.
34
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.
